Independence Even in a Crowd

From the Badger's Forest Tarot, the Nine of Crows (Pentacles); from the Gemstone Oracle, "Tiger Eye:"

          The flock of crows over the field of grain remind me of the ribbons of blackbirds I often see on summer evenings winding across the sky. As my friend Sharyn says about crows, "they all go to work in the morning and come home together at night." Independently the crows may seek their food sources, but when the day is done they come together to roost in massive numbers (except in nesting season). Such groups offer protection from predators and allow the crows to communicate with each other about what they've experienced during the day. When my dad died unexpectedly several years ago, my mom quickly learned to be self-sufficient. Yet she realized she still needed the company of others; she said she never turned down an invitation that would include her in a group heading out for some fun. The freedom of autonomy can be enjoyable but inclusive involvement has its pluses too.
          The quote and keywords for tiger eye are:

Taking the decision-making process away from people disempowers them. It also makes them much less likely to buy into the decision, however right it may be. One’s own conscience remains the ultimate arbiter. ~ Lama Surya Das

personal freedom, independence, self-reliance, disciplined approach

The message of tiger eye appears to caution against getting caught up in the herd mentality. There's nothing wrong with hanging out with others and listening to their ideas and opinions about things. I have plenty to learn about the world, and like the crows, could benefit from any reliable information I might receive. Yet I still need to rely on my own conscience instead of jumping into any emotionally charged rally. I need to think with my head, not fly by feelings only.